Cookies!

Once again, the end of summer is here. Autumn means back-to-school time and better weather for baking, and as usual this edition is devoted to cookie recipes. Cookies can be great projects for beginning bakers, and I don't know anyone who doesn't love them, maybe because they make you feel so much like a kid again. I especially enjoy making cookies by hand, because it helps to restore my sense of self in this overly-technological world of ours, so three of the recipes below can be made entirely without mixer or food processor. Grab a bowl and a spoon, and let's get into the kitchen!

Chocolate Find of the Month:

I have a confession to make. I am an unabashed cherry freak. I love them fresh or dried. And so it is that this month's Chocolate Find is Chukar Cherries, of Prosser, WA, named after a local quail, in case you were wondering. This company sells dried cherries (and other dried berries) of excellent quality, for recipes or just for snacking; you can place orders for fresh cherries, too, which will be shipped to you in season. As a natural extension of their product line, trail mixes, baking mixes, sauces, and gift collections are also offered.

But I've saved the best for last—Chukar Cherries also offers chocolate items. Chocolate cherries and chocolate berries (both made from their good dried fruit) use milk, dark, and white chocolate, so you can pick out your favorite type. An especial favorite of mine are their truffle chocolate cherries, which taste even better than they sound. Chocolate-covered nuts and espresso beans are sold in several varieties (go for the mocha latte espresso beans). There's even a chocolate cherry dessert topping. Call Chukar Cherries toll-free at (800) 624-9544 or fax them at (509) 786-2591. Or shop from the website, at www.chukar.com, for edibles that will brighten anyone's day.

Upcoming Chocolate Event:

The Third Annual Chocolate Show once again returns to New York City, from November 16 through 19, 2000. Tastings, demonstrations by chocolatiers and famed pastry chefs, replicas of New York City landmarks done in chocolate, activities for kids and adults, author signings, and more. Holiday gifts will be available, too—and chocolate is never the wrong size! The Metropolitan Pavilion, at 123 West 18th Street, is the Show site. Admission prices: $12 per adult, $10 per student with ID, $8 for children under 12 or senior citizens. Mark your calendars now, and watch for further announcements in the October and November editions!

I Love Chocolate wants YOU!!! Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? How about a recent chocolate "find" you'd like to share? You can contact me at: [email-address-removed]; I'd like your input on this column. Thanks!

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